Gulf of Thailand

Comment by josh — April 5, 2009 @ 3:48 pm

From Penang, we had a rather epic day of traveling to get the islands of the Gulf of Thailand.

We woke up at 4:30am to catch our 5am bus from our guesthouse. After driving around for a while picking up a few others we made a dash for the Thai border. Our driver was a bit of a madman and more than once we feared for our lives. We stopped at the Thai border to get our visas and clear customs. Then we taken further to Hat Yai where we got off and waited for our next ride.

We thought we would be in a large coach bus, but instead a small 2 door car pulled up. Three in the back, two up front and we were on our way to Surat Thani where we could change buses a couple of more times and eventually get on a boat.

Once the boat departed we could finally kick off our shoes, enjoy the sun, and relax on our way to Ko Phangan.

(it is currently monsooning outside. we are in an internet cafe and i am just glad to have internet. i have been without for 2 days as someone set off fireworks that hit the internet satellite dish for the island. anyone who knows me will know that i can get a bit edgy and strange after two days of no internet)

Comment by Clara — April 6, 2009 @ 7:26 am

I like the bold colors of the flag against the blue sky and clouds with the ocean beneath. Those clouds look like they might have some monsoons in them. How interesting about the fireworks and the satellite dish.

Comment by Peg — April 7, 2009 @ 5:29 am

Interesting–Dad and I have been two days without internet (and home phone), too. (Thus, I haven’t been able to read your posts and see your photos–and I didn’t like it!) Now, must get ready to head out the door but will comment more later. You had me laughing with your “feared for our lives” line. Probably was alternately terrifying and hilarious for you? Definitely makes a great story/memory with Beth and for the rest of us! The photo is awestome! I agree with Clara about the bold colors. And love the boldness of the flag so center-stage like that! And the tattered edges give it personality–a story of its own . . . if we knew it. Thanks for posting! XOXOX

Comment by Peg — April 7, 2009 @ 2:34 pm

I’m still getting a good laugh from “dash to the border,” “bitof a madman,” and (again), “feared for our lives.” Just strikes my funny bone! So YOU, Josh! I love it!

Comment by Peg — April 7, 2009 @ 2:36 pm

Monsooning? Is that why I couldn’t even **see** the island on the satellite map (but could on the other maps on the same site of the same island)??? Strange. Monsooning . . . as in . . . really, really heavy rains all the time where you are? Maybe I should look up “monsoon” in the dictionary!

Comment by Peg — April 7, 2009 @ 2:39 pm

Fireworks hitting the internet satellite dish for the Island??? Just makes me laugh more. (But maybe it wasn’t funny?)

Comment by Peg — April 7, 2009 @ 6:14 pm

Well, after reading a bit about Thailand’s weather, I’m mostly confused by the north weather and south weather; east weather and west weather; early-season weather and late-season weather. Can you make some sense out of it for us?

I *did,* however, find this interesting sentence: “Try and avoid April, unless you plan to be permanently submerged in the ocean, because this is the hottest month across the country.” You liking it? Dad would!

Comment by dadman — April 7, 2009 @ 11:35 pm

Kicking off your shoes and enjoying the sun on the boat sounds perfect! But did you see any pirates? Another great pic! Sounds like your traveling is getting interesting with cars and buses and crazy drivers! Have fun and keep safe!

Comment by dadman — April 7, 2009 @ 11:39 pm

I got a question about Monsoon, too. Does that mean there’s a heavy rain every day more or less, but still sunny much of the day? Or just days of rain with a few sunny ones in between. I see your picture is pretty sunny which is why I’m asking.